One of the biggest reasons why we don’t use conventional taxis is because taxi drivers refuse to use the meter installed in the cab to charge their passengers, instead, they state a certain price as they like. For an example, the journey is just 3 km, but the potential passengers are charged RM20 for the ride, isn’t that too much?

Just recently, two Bangladeshis were forced to pay a whopping amount of RM950 for a taxi ride from KL Sentral to Setapak.

It was reported the incident occurred when the foreigners had just arrived by bus from Kuala Terengganu.

Initially, the two were asked to pay RM50 per person for the 10 km ride to Setapak, which they reluctantly agreed upon.

However, when they arrived their destination, the taxi driver told them that they had to fork out RM950 instead!

An argument broke out between the driver and the passengers but the victims eventually gave in out of fear of being harmed, as the driver had a wooden stick and a metal bat in the car.

The two lodged a report at the Salak Selatan police station after paying the hefty sum.

In a statement issued, the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) said its special force identified and detained the driver, believed to be in his 30s on October 5.

“We have instructed the driver and the taxi operator to testify at our office. The cab has also been seized to assist in the investigation.

“The driver is being investigated under Section 75 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, and if found guilty, he can be fined not more than RM50,000 or face imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.”

It was added that the taxi operator involved is being investigated under Section 22 of the Act and if found guilty, can be fined at least RM1,000 but not more than RM500,000, or face imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or both.

The news has angered many Malaysians, among them, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

“If it is true that the taxi driver demanded the stated amount of money, then this is wrong

“The taxi driver in question should impose a fee based on the meter, as this device allows passengers to monitor the fare to be imposed on them.

“The government views this matter seriously, as it involves the welfare of passengers, regardless of whether they are local or foreign.”

Nancy also added that unlike conventional taxis, customers can reject e-hailing ride services if the fare quoted is expensive or surpasses their budget.

“(With) e-hailing ride service, (customers) receive information on the fare in advance to allow them to manage their budget.

“To others who have had the same experience: Please come forward and report (the matter) to the authorities.”

If the passengers are foreigners for the conventional taxis, they’ll be charged even more than locals, these taxi drivers are really wringing people dry from their own money!